The runes glowed brighter and brighter as the [Knight] approached. This time, his intent provoked the warding spell. Brighter they became. So much so that they hurt the eyes. The ancient spell filled the air with crackling power. Cara felt it make her hair rise. It hurt her eyes—her skin felt a force pushing against her.

But the [Knight] walked forwards. His head was bowed. The magic tore at his form as a spell coalesced.

Yet there was no flesh to destroy. Only willpower. And it was greater than any magic. Slowly, the Knight of the Shadowed Bloom raised his sword. His voice grew, tired, and…almost triumphant.

“I am Ser Dalius of Afiele. I have guarded this tomb for eternity. If there is any great guardian of this place, let them deliver this young woman to the light and skies! For she does not belong here, among the hallowed dead. Let someone stop me! For I am a [Knight]. And I have sworn to protect this place.”

He took a breath and looked back at Cara.

“—But I have also sworn that she shall not die. And though it be arrogance, let all of Noelictus’ dead burn and my soul be erased rather than a single soul join our number! My companions, what say you?”

The ghost raised his sword, turning, shouting. But no one answered him. The ghost laughed, bitterly.

Tiredly. But then he prepared the blade, his features set.

“So be it. I have only my voice to trust. And let me listen to my heart before it dies here.”

He stood there, as the warding magic grew stronger. It was a hum—a shriek in the air, throwing Cara backwards.

The stone was shaking, unable to anchor the spell. The door was falling apart. He glanced back at Cara as the light began to coalesce into a single point. Then Ser Dalius closed his eyes. She looked up and saw the spell forming.

The [Knight] walked towards the stone doors. He aimed his blade ahead as the magic became searing.

All-encompassing. He walked forwards—and the spell threw him back.

Cara cried out as she saw him thrown back through the air. His sword never reached the magic. It attacked the threat. He caught himself, features wrapped in pain. She felt a note of despair in her throat and opened her mouth to say something.

Then Dalius walked forwards again. He looked at the magic and shook his head.

Almost ruefully. His sword rose once more, and the ghost walked forwards, as if he were advancing on a foe. A dozen paces. Two dozen.

The light shone. The world flashed, and Cara felt a force throw her back a few steps. She stumbled—

And saw the figure standing there. Ser Dalius’ body was flickering. Yet the [Knight] held his ground. His teeth were clenched with pain, a flash of true agony.